The need for on-site technical assistance and training for persons with a developmental disability and their supports is great. We are eager to begin providing this service for persons with the most challenging medical or behavioral concerns.
Referral of Children & Adolescents To Support Service Teams
What are the SSTs?
The Support Services Teams (SSTs) will provide an interdisciplinary technical assistance and training response to persons with a developmental disability in a medical or behavioral situation that challenges their ability to live and thrive in the community. The SSTs will observe, assess, evaluate, consult with family members and providers working to support the person and provide training as necessary. They will have nurses, Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals (QIDPs), psychologists, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts on staff and have ready access to other needed specialty providers, such as psychiatrists.
What SSTs are not
The SSTs are not a substitute for emergency medical and psychiatric services and hospitalization. The SSTs are not investigators. The SSTs will not replace the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and Pre-admission Screening/Independent Service Coordination (PAS/ISC) processes.
Who are the customers of the SSTs?
- The SSTs serve all adults with a developmental disability living in a community setting experiencing challenges with an urgent, chronic or cyclical medical or behavioral concern that has not responded to interventions, who are receiving Medicaid services, Waiver services, or currently on the PUN's List, as capacity allows.
- Adults residing at home, in a DDD-funded community setting or an Intermediate Care Facility for persons with a Developmental Disability (ICFDD) may be referred.
- The SSTs serve children and adolescents diagnosed with a developmental disability who are receiving Division of Developmental Disability services, or currently on the PUN's List, as capacity allows.
- The person with a developmental disability, his or her family, direct support staff at the day and residential services, as well as agency leadership, will be the customers and collaborators.
How can you get SSTs assistance?
Referrals will be made by DDD staff during business hours.
Where are SSTs located?
The SSTs have six locations around the state to help with timely response to a referral from any part of the state. Locations are in:
- Rockford
- Chicago
- New Lenox
- Peoria
- Springfield
- Carbondale
What will be the SST response times?
Upon receiving a referral from DDD staff, the SST will contact the family or provider for more information within 24 hours of the referral. The SST will respond on site within 72 hours.
How will we know if this process is helpful?
An independent evaluation is being completed to see the effects on quality of life and placement stability, the skills and capacities of family members and providers after training, and the satisfaction of the customers.
How is this funded?
The SSTs, evaluation, and other administrative costs for the SSTs are funded from the hospital tax appropriation to DHS, which was a decision made with legislative policy makers.
When did SST start?
Referrals of adults began in August, 2010. Referral of children began May, 2011.
Who are the agencies that are providing SST services?
The Illinois Crisis Prevention Network (ICPN) is the SST service provider. The ICPN is operated as a partnership between Trinity Services and The Hope Institute for Children and Families. Kim Shontz, LCSW, and Amie Burke, BCBA, are the statewide Directors for ICPN.
Contact for Questions
DHS.DDDSST@illinois.gov
